Crummock Water

Can you swim in Crummock Water?

Yes — and it's one of the lovelier places to do it. Crummock is a natural lake in National Trust care, and wild swimming is allowed and popular; the old slate boat house on the eastern shore has a sheltered shingle beach that makes a natural entry point. As with any Lakeland water, take the usual care — cold water year-round, no lifeguards, and ease in rather than jumping — but unlike the drinking-water reservoirs nearby, there's no ban here. It's a gentler, quieter swim than the busier Buttermere.

Scale Force — the highest waterfall in the Lakes

Tucked into the fellside above the western shore is Scale Force, the highest waterfall in the Lake District, with a dramatic single drop of about 170 ft (52 m) in a mossy, fern-hung ravine. It's reached by a footpath along or across the lake's western side from Buttermere — a rewarding walk to a genuinely impressive fall (best after rain). It's a quieter objective than the honeypots, and all the better for it.

Mellbreak & the fells

The walking around Crummock is superb:

• Mellbreak runs the full length of the western shore — Wainwright reckoned no hill and lake were in closer partnership — a steep, characterful little fell straight from the water.
• On the eastern side rise Grasmoor and Whiteless Pike, big grassy fells with grand views, and Rannerdale Knotts — a low, knobbly fell famous for its bluebells, which carpet the hidden Rannerdale valley each May in one of the Lakes' best wildflower displays.

Check the live "Best Fells today" conditions before the tops. The Fells & walks nearby box below lists the closest summits with a full guide.

Walks & boats

• The shore circuit — a walk of roughly 9 miles right around the lake (boggy in places on the quieter western side), taking in Scale Force; see our Crummock Water shore route.
• Link the valley lakes — Crummock sits between Loweswater and Buttermere, and a classic day pairs Buttermere and Crummock together.
• Rowing boats — the National Trust hires out rowing boats on the lake, a lovely way to spend a calm afternoon.

Getting there & parking

Without a car: The nearest stations as the crow flies are Parton (18 km away) and Corkickle (18 km away); the 77 stops at Lanthwaite Crummock Water car park (near), 1.0 km from here (times on bustimes.org). The bus map has every stop we hold.

Crummock is in the Buttermere valley, reached on the B5289 — from Keswick over the Newlands or Honister passes, or from Cockermouth via Lorton. The main car parks are in Buttermere village (the National Trust and Fish Inn car parks) at the head, with smaller ones at Lanthwaite Wood and Cinderdale Common along the lake. In season the 77 / Honister Rambler bus loops through the valley from Keswick — a fine car-free way in (and it's a spectacular ride). The passes are narrow and busy on fine days, so come early.

Where to stay & practical

Most people stay in Buttermere village at the head of the valley — a couple of historic inns, a YHA and farm accommodation — or in Lorton, Loweswater and Cockermouth down the valley; Keswick over the passes has the full range. It's wonderful, relatively quiet walking and swimming country.

A note of local history: the valley is the setting of the "Maid of Buttermere" — Mary Robinson, the celebrated Buttermere beauty whose story drew Romantic-era visitors and writers. Easy outings take in Buttermere, Loweswater, Scale Force, the Rannerdale bluebells in May, and over the passes to Keswick and Derwentwater. Crummock is National Trust land, so check the National Trust for boat hire and parking details.